Zingy Raspberry Poke Cake Recipe: A Sweet Summer Treat

Dessert lovers can’t resist a delightful raspberry zinger poke cake that bursts with vibrant flavor and unexpected charm.

Sweet layers of moist cake create a magical canvas for fruity imagination.

Soft holes punctuate each slice, welcoming creamy raspberry filling that seeps deliciously into every crumb.

Tangy cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to this crowd-pleasing treat.

Clusters of fresh raspberries scattered across the top provide a beautiful, bright finish.

Summer gatherings or casual weekend celebrations suddenly feel more special with this simple yet impressive dessert.

You won’t be able to stop at just one slice of this irresistible cake.

FAQs

• How do the poked holes enhance the cake's flavor?

The holes allow the raspberry preserves to seep deep into the cake, creating a moist, intensely fruity layer that adds extra moisture and raspberry flavor throughout every bite.

• Can I use homemade raspberry preserves instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade preserves can actually make the cake more delicious and give it a fresher, more authentic raspberry taste. Just ensure the preserves are smooth and spreadable.

• Is there a way to make the whipped cream more stable?

To stabilize whipped cream, you can add a small amount of gelatin or cream cheese to help it hold its shape longer and prevent separation, especially if the cake will sit out for a while.

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Always Brightens Dessert Tables

• Customize with Ease: Swap raspberry preserves for other flavors like strawberry or apricot to create a personalized dessert that matches your taste preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: This recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for home cooks who want a stunning dessert without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: The combination of soft cake, fruity preserves, and fluffy whipped cream creates a universally appealing treat that works for potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings.
• No-Fuss Preparation: With simple steps and store-bought ingredients like boxed cake mix and ready-made preserves, this dessert comes together quickly and easily for busy home bakers.

Everything Needed For Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Fun

• White Cake Mix: A classic base that provides a light and fluffy foundation for the dessert.
• Ingredients Specified on Cake Mix Box: Essential components for preparing the cake base.

• Raspberry Preserves: A sweet and tangy spread that adds moisture and intense raspberry flavor to the cake.
• Fresh Raspberries: Bright and juicy berries that offer a pop of color and fresh taste.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: A classic combination that creates a smooth, rich, and lightly sweet whipped cream topping.
• Mint Leaves: A fresh, optional garnish that adds a touch of green and herbal aroma.

Simple Directions For Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Magic

Step 1: Whip Up the Cake Base

Grab a white cake mix and follow the package directions.

Bake it in a rectangular pan until golden and perfect.

Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack, giving it plenty of time to reach room temperature.

Step 2: Create Delightful Holes

Take a fork and playfully poke holes all across the cake’s surface.

Make sure to cover the entire cake, creating little pathways for flavor to travel.

Step 3: Drench in Raspberry Goodness

Warm up raspberry preserves in the microwave for a few seconds.

Gently pour and spread the preserves over the cake, watching it seep into the holes and create a juicy, fruity layer.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Cream Topping

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they form beautiful, sturdy peaks that stand up proudly.

Step 5: Smooth on the Cream Layer

Carefully spread the whipped cream over the entire cake surface.

Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer that looks like a fluffy cloud.

Step 6: Add Beautiful Finishing Touches

Sprinkle fresh raspberries across the top of the cake.

Tuck a few mint leaves around the edges for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 7: Chill and Let Flavors Dance

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

This allows all the delicious flavors to mingle and create a truly spectacular dessert.

Tips To Nail Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Every Time

• Prevent Sticking Spray your cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
• Check Cake Doneness Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Enhance Flavor Warm raspberry preserves help them penetrate deeper into the cake's holes, creating more intense fruit flavor.
• Whip Cream Technique Chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help the cream whip faster and form more stable peaks.
• Berry Fresh Garnish Use slightly chilled fresh raspberries to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming mushy on the cake.

Creative Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Variations To Try

• Gluten-Free Raspberry Zinger: Replace white cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Bliss: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut whipped cream, use plant-based cake mix, and replace heavy cream with cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Raspberry Sensation: Utilize sugar-free raspberry preserves, substitute powdered sugar with stevia, and use a low-carb cake mix for diabetic-friendly option.
• Lemon Raspberry Remix: Add lemon zest to whipped cream, use lemon cake mix instead of white cake, and incorporate fresh lemon juice into raspberry preserves for citrusy depth.

Serving Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake At Parties

• Berry Bliss Dessert Platter: Create a stunning dessert board with slices of the Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake surrounded by fresh raspberries, mint sprigs, and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Summer Picnic Treat: Pack individual cake slices in mason jars for a portable and cute dessert perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or family picnics.
• Coffee Companion: Serve chilled cake slices alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino for a delightful afternoon snack that balances sweet and robust flavors.
• Celebration Centerpiece: Arrange cake slices on a beautiful cake stand with decorative fresh berries and edible flowers for a show-stopping dessert at birthdays or bridal showers.

Storing Poke Cake For Later Enjoyment

• Transfer cake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding fresh raspberries before freezing.
• Remove cake from freezer and let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Keep wrapped to prevent moisture loss and condensation.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the whipped cream's texture and prevent soggy cake.

Raspberry Zinger Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Raspberry zinger poke cake delivers a delightful symphony of tangy and sweet flavors that dance across your palate. Moist cake layers infused with raspberry gelatin create a luscious dessert perfect for summer gatherings and special celebrations you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients needed for mix)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) raspberry preserves
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Fresh raspberries
• Mint leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the white cake mix according to package directions, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 30-45 minutes.
3. Using a fork, systematically create small holes across the entire cake surface, penetrating about halfway through the depth.
4. Gently warm the raspberry preserves in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to create a more fluid consistency.
5. Pour the warmed preserves over the cake, carefully guiding the liquid into the poked holes to maximize flavor absorption.
6. Prepare the whipped cream by combining heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled mixing bowl.
7. Whip the cream mixture until stiff, glossy peaks form, which typically takes 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
8. Delicately spread the whipped cream across the cake’s surface, creating a smooth and even layer.
9. Optional: Decorate the cake with fresh raspberries and mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
10. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set properly.

Notes

• Customize cake mix by adding a splash of almond extract for deeper flavor complexity.
• Use low-fat cream options to make the dessert lighter and more diet-friendly.
• Select high-quality raspberry preserves without added sugars for a more natural taste profile.
• Ensure cake is completely cool before adding preserves to prevent soggy texture and maintain structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 317 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg